In-line insert folder system

US8601773B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Philip Morris USA Inc. · US

Inventors

• Edmond J. Cadieux · Mechanicsville, US
• Barry S. Smith · Hopewell, US
• Robert G. Scott · Midlothian, US
• Martin T. Garthaffner · Midlothian, US
• Steve Rinehart · Midlothian, US
• Xuan M. Pham · Richmond, US
• Linwood Carneal · Richmond, US
• Hubert Goodman · Midlothian, US
• Joshua L. Roby · Battle Creek, US
• Christopher Crawford · San Jose, US
• James D. Evans · Midlothian, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B61/20
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An in-line insert folder system includes a continuous roll of preprinted inserts, and a cutter for cutting individual inserts from the roll. A transport serially conveys the individual inserts in a downstream direction to a buckle folder that receives the inserts and folds each one along at least one fold line. An applicator serially receives the folded inserts from the buckle folder and applies the inserts to consumer packs such as cigarette packs, for example. The folded inserts may be directly applied to the packs before placement of flexible outer wrap or the folded inserts may be applied onto the flexible outer wrap before that wrap is placed around the packs.